Nanofilm can replace damaged retina

Israeli scientists have developed a flexible film, which in the future can serve as a basis for creating a retinal prosthesis and returning vision to people with a damaged retina or suffering retinal degeneration, macular dystrophy . The work of scientists published in the journal Nano Letters. The photosensitive film is created by a combination of semiconductor nanorods and carbon nanotubes. It does not require wires or a power source to function.



Special neurons are genetically sensitive to light. The new science of optogenetics is studying these neurons and their effects on them. The resulting film stimulates these neurons when light strikes it. Scientists have managed to achieve their stimulation in chick embryos that are at this stage of development when they have not yet formed a retina. Most previous attempts at restoring vision use metal and silicon devices that require external power sources, and the procedure for their implantation is very complicated.



Professor Yael Hanein , under whose guidance research is underway, says: “Compared to other technologies, our material is more enduring, flexible and efficient, and stimulates neurons better. We are still far from replacing the damaged retina. If we compare this material with silicon-based devices that need wires and a power source, this is a breakthrough in research in this direction. ”